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Hepatitis A immunisation service

Hepatitis A vaccines are given as a needle, either on their own or as a combination vaccine. They can be provided by a variety of recognised immunisation providers. If you're eligible, you can get the hepatitis A vaccine free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

Why get immunised against hepatitis A?

Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect you from hepatitis A.

By getting vaccinated against hepatitis A, you can also help protect other people, especially people who are too sick or too young to be vaccinated. The more people who are vaccinated in your community, the less likely the disease will spread.

Who should get immunised against hepatitis A?

Anyone who wants to protect themselves against hepatitis A can talk to their doctor about getting immunised.

Hepatitis A immunisation is recommended for:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged between 12 months and 24 months who live in Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western Australia or South Australia, for free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP)

children at least 12 months old and adults who are travelling to areas where hepatitis A is common

people who live or work with rural or remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

people who work in early childhood education and care

people with developmental disabilities, and their carers

plumbers and sewage workers

people who have anal sex

people who inject drugs

people with long-term liver disease

people who have had a liver transplant

people living with hepatitis B or hepatitis C.

Where can you get a hepatitis A immunisation?

Hepatitis A immunisations are available in each Australian state and territory.

Your doctor can tell you which vaccine they will use for your hepatitis A immunisation.

Do I need to pay for hepatitis A immunisation?

Vaccines covered by the NIP are free for people who are eligible. See the NIP Schedule to find out which vaccines you or your family are eligible to receive.

Eligible people get the vaccine for free, but your health care provider (for example, your doctor) may charge a consultation fee for the visit. You can check this when you make your appointment.

If you are not eligible for free vaccine, you may need to pay for it. The cost depends on the type of vaccine, the formula and where you buy it from. Your immunisation provider can give you more information.

What are the possible side effects of hepatitis A immunisation?

All medicines and vaccines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they’re not.

For most people, the chance of having a serious side effect from a vaccine is much lower than the chance of serious harm if you caught the disease.

Talk to your doctor about possible side effects of hepatitis A vaccines, or if you or your child have possible side effects that worry you.